James Butler Pleads Not Guilty in Murder of Sam Kellerman

According to Associated Press  reports, boxer James Butler has pleaded not guilty to charges that he used a hammer to murder sportswriter, Sam Kellerman — brother of boxing analyst, Max Kellerman.

James Butler, 31, was charged with murder and arson following his Wednesday arrest and was being held on $1.25 million bail, said Sandi Gibbons, the district attorney's spokeswoman.

Authorities believe Sam Kellerman was killed on Oct. 12, according to a statement from the district attorney.

Reports have described Butler and Sam Kellerman as friends. The boxer had been staying at Kellerman's apartment since late September.

A status hearing in Butler's case is scheduled for Oct. 28.